Poor spirit detracts from youth sports

Young kids playing sports benefit from having their brains beat in on the scoreboard.

Someone in Erie actually believes that, and I suspect that someone isn't alone.

No, I'm not one of them. I'm still attempting to wrap my mind around that thought.

How does getting beaten badly by another team, especially time after time, make a young child a better person?

Although youth sports have become known in past years for adults acting badly, it's the underlying mindset towards these sports that seems most alarming. Youth sports would be better if adults weren't involved, and the misguided thoughts some adults share confirm that belief.

Youth sports are games that kids play. They're supposed to be fun. They're supposed to help kids make friends while teaching them about sportsmanship and teamwork. They're supposed to provide happy memories that these kids will take with them later into life.

Then adults step in and turn these games into something they're not -- serious business.

Parents who dream of their kids playing professional sports one day suck the enjoyment out of the sports their kids love with an overly demanding approach and unrealistic expectations.

Coaches focused on wins and losses crush their players' spirit instead of instilling confidence through skill development and encouraging a passion for the game.

Then before long, those same kids give up the sports they once loved because they're not fun to play anymore.

Kids just want to play. Organized sports are no different than the sports they play with their friends at home. They may keep score to determine a winner and loser. They may have disagreements with each other from time to time. But they have fun no matter what.

This might seem corny at a time when adults are investing tons of money and time for their kids to play on travel teams in different sports.

Perhaps those adults want the biggest bang for their hard-earned buck. But they don't seem to take the kids' feelings into consideration.

Why are their kids playing these sports? What do they want out of sports? Do they even care to play these sports, or are they simply playing because adults involved want them to play? Ask your kids those questions. You might be surprised by what they tell you.

There comes a time when sports become more competitive. In high school, wins and losses do mean a bit more. Players are expected to work harder and show more discipline. But even at that level, adults should remember that kids still are playing these games. They still want to have fun. They still want to enjoy the overall experience. If they're having fun, then kids of every age truly are winners.